SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2020
TOPIC: GODLY STANDARD
TEXT:1 CORINTHIANS 3:5-15
KEY VERSE: "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 CORINTHIANS 3:11).
Incidences of building collapse in some societies have been blamed on the unwillingness of building contractors to adhere to standards. In some of the cases, it was observed that the builders violated principles of solid structures as they continued to raise the buildings to a point where the foundation could no longer cope. As building according to standards is vital in the physical, so it is in the spiritual.
God has standards and honours those who abide by it. When Prophet Elijah proved God's supremacy over Baal on Mount Carmel, he evidently showed that the sure foundation which had been laid for the true worship of God, should not be corrupted.
Elijah also proved that there was a foundation that must be built upon for success to be achieved in ministry. For God to send the fire of acceptance upon his sacrifice, the prophet had to follow the standard. In the same manner, believers and ministers of the gospel must build on the sure foundation laid by Christ. To do so, we must first of all identify with Him. Then we must build according to pattern.
We can only do exploits through the name of Jesus; anything to the contrary would amount to working at variance with the Master-builder. In building, we must endeavour to choose "durable" stones of gold, silver and precious stones, instead of hay and stubble. Those who build contrary to the foundation laid by Christ will suffer loss.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Do not build collapsible spiritual structures.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 KINGS 5-7
HIGHER EVERYDAY
SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2020
TOPIC: FIGHTING FEAR WITH FAITH
TEXT:LUKE 8:22-25
MEMORY VERSE: "And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him" (LUKE 8:25).
Of fear, Christine Caine said: "Deep...fear can be crippling. If you let it, it will hold you back from experiencing all that God has for you. It will come between you and your destiny."
Many young people are raised with the mindset that no matter how bad things are, they can get even worse. They justify such fears in times of natural disasters, economic crisis, diseases, and joblessness. They easily feel shaken by prevailing chaos, turbulent times and devastating events.
Yet, the Bible assures us that with Christ and in Christ we can live unshakeable, no matter what turmoil we face. Are you living in fear? Faith can conquer it all, because the battle against fear is a battle for our faith.
That is why the Scripture tells believers to "Fight the good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:12). To silence the lies of the enemy, you need to allow your faith to grow by praying, believing and declaring God's Word in your life. His Word is a powerful weapon you have in your fight against fear.
QUOTE: Allow your faith to grow.
CHALLENGE: Never forget that faith can conquer it all.
PRAYER:Lord, help me to overcome fear with faith.